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'New Zealand grown Navel oranges are picked within days of them appearing in our supermarkets so consumers know they are eating the freshest of fruits which haven't been picked weeks ago and spent time being shipped here,” he says.

The Navel orange harvest is well underway in Gisborne. Supplied Photo.

Wayne says a voluntary industry initiative to independently test Navel oranges for ripeness before harvest is helping guarantee consumers enjoy the best possible taste experience and be encouraged to make repeat purchases.

'The majority of growers and marketers are supporting the system which sees samples of fruit taken from orchards and tested for Brix and acid levels.”

Growers are advised by the independent testers when their fruit is ready to harvest, and Wayne says the two main supermarket chains are also supporting the voluntary program.

Gisborne is New Zealand's largest growing region for Navel oranges and in the last eight to 10 years significant new plantings, including of new varieties, have been carried out, meaning production levels are steadily increasing.

Wayne says that's good news for New Zealand consumers who can enjoy top quality fruit which has been grown and ripened by up to 2,200 hours of Gisborne sunshine.

Those high sunshine hours and plentiful rainfall make Gisborne a premiere region for growing citrus. Wayne says the citrus industry is important to the economy of the district which also has the postharvest infrastructure and labour force to support more than 220 growers.

The harvest and availability of Navel oranges extends from June to December each year, ensuring a regular supply of fresh fruit which is high in Vitamin C. Each orange contains only about 85 calories and has no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

Wayne, who is operations manager for the 100 ha Wipere Trust orchard at Gisborne, says his favourite way to enjoy a Navel orange is to cut into quarters and eat it straight from the skin.

For information, competitions and delicious recipes using Gisborne Navel oranges go to: Facebook - NZ Navel Oranges www.facebook.com/nznaveloranges and the website – www.naveloranges.co.nz

Gisborne Navel oranges are picked just days before they appear in supermarkets. Supplied Photo.